SCHUYLER LAKE – It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Thomas Martin Vatovec. He was 73.
Born February 27, 1953, in Cooperstown, Tom was one of four children of Rudy Vatovec, a native of Orreca, Italy, and Susan Schultz Vatovec of Coaldale, Pennsylvania.
Raised in the Cooperstown area, he graduated from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1971.
For many years, Tom was employed driving garbage trucks for M. Wheelock Disposal service. He was a hard worker all his life. He always took the time to enjoy the little things like golfing with his buddies or puttering around his house and yard. Always in mid-project, he was a jack of all trades and was always good for a quick chat or long talk. He loved riding his motorcycle on the open road and even more loved his family.
Tom is survived by his four children, Matthew Vatovec and wife Glenda and their daughters, Emily and Abigail, of Cooperstown, Timothy Vatovec of Oneonta, Lyndsy Vatovec and partner Camilo Gualteros of Brooklyn, and Ryan Vatovec and wife, Bonnie and their sons Owen and Nathan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is
further survived by his sister, Pauline Vatovec of Hartwick, and a sister-in-law, Rebecca A. “Becky” Vatovec of Schuyler Lake, and her family. He was predeceased by his father, Rudy, who died January 26, 1990; his mother, Susan, who died January 11, 1992; his brother, Edward R. Vatovec, who died March 17, 1999; and his sister, Mary Ann Willoughby, who died June 15, 2010.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Tom will be laid to rest later this summer with his family in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
